‘Passion’ has London MP Peter Fragiskatos on Middle East tour

A London politician has been tapped to join the Governor General on a tour of the Middle East.

Peter Fragiskatos, elected almost exactly one year ago as Liberal MP for London North Centre, left with Gov.-Gen. David Johnston and other dignitaries for a week-long trek through Jordan, Israel and the West Bank this week.

Fragiskatos, who holds a doctorate in international relations and sits on the foreign affairs committee in Ottawa, says international work is part of the work an MP must balance with local issues.

“In the election campaign, I heard it time and again — and I’ve heard it since — that Canada needs to have a real role on the international stage,” he said.

“I have a passion for foreign affairs. Canada needs a strong voice in the world.”

The trip will focus on what the MP describes as “entrepreneurship, innovation and humanitarian issues” throughout the region. The latter, in particular, could relate directly to London.

Jordan has been a destination for “millions” of Syrian refugees, Fragiskatos said, scores of whom also have fled to Canadian cities, including London. They’ll meet with Jordan’s king to discuss the challenges that’s created.

The group will visit the Zaatari refugee camp to meet Syrian refugees, government and United Nations officials. They’ll also discuss with Jordanian mayors and municipal politicians how the refugee influx has strained local ­governments.